After beating the Solar Bears 4-1 on Sunday, the Gladiators looked to win the second game of the back-to-back on Monday night at Kia Center. TJ Semptimphelter started in net for the Gladiators, while Harrison Meneghin got the nod for the Solar Bears.
The game quickly became a special teams battle as the Gladiators’ penalty kill was put to the test with an early 5 on 3 power play for the Solar Bears. Ultimately, Orlando scored thanks to the two-man advantage, as Jack Adams whipped in a backdoor pass to make it 1-0 in the first period. Orlando 9:57. Assists went to Aaron Luchuk and Reece Newkirk on the only goal of the opening period. The Solar Bears had three power plays in the first period while the Gladiators had one, with Orlando outscoring Atlanta 9-6 after one period.
Atlanta responded by tying the game with a power play goal of its own, as Jack Matier uncorked a shot from the right point 10:23 into the second period to tie the game at 1–1. Matier’s second goal of the season was assisted by Mike McNamee and Ryan Francis. The match provided more opportunities for the power play for both sides, with both penalties keeping the match level. At even strength the match saw back and forth action with both goalkeepers, Semptimphelter and Meneghin, making saves at either end. After two periods of play, the match was tied at 1-1, with Orlando defeating Atlanta 25-11.
Although much of the game featured a special teams duel, it was the Gladiators working at even strength that won them the game. Alex Young scored the winning goal 5:42 into the third period with a side snipe past Meneghin on a feed from Isak Walther, giving Atlanta a 2–1 lead. That was all the Gladiators needed as Semptimphelter kept the door shut and Atlanta survived a comeback attempt in Orlando. The Gladiators went 1/4 on the power play and 5/6 on the penalty kill in the win, while Semptimphelter stopped 31/32 for his 12e win of the year.
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